Speculation is rife that Michael Schumacher is about to announce his retirement from F1 racing this weekend.
Michael Schumacher was unyielding again in the face of a media onslaught here yesterday, flatly refusing to respond to any further questioning as to whether he will finally announce his retirement after Sunday's Italian grand prix.
The seven-times world champion reiterated that he would not be goaded into even speculating what might or might not be said after the chequered flag falls at the end of the 15th round of the world championship. "Just before we start, because obviously it has been written and said a lot recently in the press, but it is obvious and clear what we have to do," he said. "We will make a statement on Sunday. That means there is no point to take any questions or get into it.
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When Michael Schumacher retires — he's expected to make an announcement Sunday — Formula One drivers might not only miss him on the starting grid. He also leads the drivers' soccer team.
"Well, he loves to play football and plays very often," said Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella.
Schumacher scored one goal and set up another in Wednesday's traditional charity match ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix. He and Fisichella were part of a drivers team that thrashed a side of media pundits 8-2 at Milan's Brianteo stadium.
"The goal we made yesterday, it was really incredible," said Felipe Massa, Schumacher's teammate at Ferrari.
Schumacher picked out Massa on the right wing, ran into the penalty box and met the return cross to score with a header.
